Ulfat Jaan
SRINAGAR, Sep 02: In a first, a man from north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, has umpired an international cricket match.
Asif Iqbal from Khanpora in Baramulla served as the on-field umpire for an international cricket match between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which was won by Afghanistan by 18 run.
According to Wikipedia, Asif began his umpiring career in 2007 and is currently affiliated with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB). He also serves on the ICC International Development Panel.
Iqbal has officiated in several prestigious tournaments, including the ACC Premier Cup, ACC Emerging Asia Cup, and ACC Women’s Premier Cup. He has also stood in ODIs and T20Is hosted in countries such as the UAE, Ireland, Afghanistan, the West Indies, New Zealand, and Bangladesh.
His umpiring journey includes the International League T20 (ILT20 2024) and multiple women’s cricket series involving teams from Papua New Guinea, Scotland, the USA, and Hong Kong. Recognized as a certified umpire by both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), Iqbal continues to make Kashmir proud on the international stage.
Commenting on this development, famous commentator Kifayat Aftab, speaking to The Web Story/The Varmul Post, said, “Sport knows no barriers. It has changed, and continues to change, the landscape in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Especially after the abrogation of Article 370, we are witnessing a new era. It is a profoundly proud moment for all of Kashmir to see our people achieving greatness not just nationally, but on the international stage.”
Reacting to this achievement, youth leader Touseef Raina said, “Sport has not only replaced stone-pelting in Kashmir; it has entirely rewritten the narrative, scripting a new chapter of success at national and international levels.”
“This is a moment of immense pride for Baramulla district,” Raina added. “Last year, we celebrated martial arts star Musharaf Qayoom’s victory at the Eurasian Professional Sanda League in Georgia. Now, Asif from our town, our district, our Kashmir, is representing us internationally. These possibilities are emerging in a much more peaceful environment, which is indeed a sign of ‘Badalta Hua Kashmir’ (a changing Kashmir), where youth are even playing under floodlights at night. The hidden talent of Jammu and Kashmir is finally coming forward and making the Union Territory and India proud.”
“For years, our youth have chased dreams on makeshift grounds. Today, one of our own is standing on the world’s pitch, not as a player but as its judge. This proves that with passion, no dream is too distant,” said an elated Rayees Ahmad, a local cricket coach from Baramulla.
Notably, Sports have significantly shaped the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir over the years. Athletes from the region are now securing opportunities in major competitive formats, earning places on national platforms including participation in the world’s cash-rich league, IPL, and even selection for the Indian national team.
